Leviticus 20:5 - then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all who play the prostitute after him, to play the prostitute with Molech, from among their people.
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What does "Leviticus 20:5" mean?
This verse from Leviticus 20:5 is a severe condemnation of someone who offers their children to Molech and the community that participates in that practice. Let's break it down:
"Then I will set my face against that man...": "Setting one's face against" is a Hebrew idiom indicating divine anger, opposition, and judgment. It signifies God's direct and active hostility towards the individual.
"...and against his family...": This implies that the consequences extend beyond the individual to their family. This could mean they share in the guilt, are complicit in the act, or suffer the ramifications of his actions. The exact extent of this is debated; some interpret it as extending judgment to those who are also involved and don't repent, while others see it as the family experiencing social and communal consequences.
"...and will cut him off...": This phrase, "cut off," is frequently interpreted as divine excommunication or death. It suggests being removed from the covenant community of Israel and losing the blessings and protection associated with being part of that community. There's debate among scholars whether this "cutting off" always means physical death or could also refer to spiritual or social separation from the community.
"...and all who play the prostitute after him, to play the prostitute with Molech...": This part refers to those who follow the man's example and also engage in the worship of Molech. The term "play the prostitute" is often used metaphorically in the Old Testament to describe idolatry, likening unfaithfulness to God to the act of sexual unfaithfulness in marriage. In this context, it highlights the severe spiritual transgression of worshipping another god.
"...from among their people.": This emphasizes that the individual and those who follow him are to be expelled or removed from the Israelite community, both physically and spiritually.
In Summary:
The verse condemns the practice of child sacrifice to Molech, threatening divine judgment, punishment extending to the family, excommunication/death for the individual and those who emulate him, and removal from the community of Israel. It underscores the abhorrence of this practice in the eyes of God and the severity of the consequences for engaging in it.
Context and Interpretation:
Molech: Molech was a deity worshipped in some ancient Near Eastern cultures, often associated with child sacrifice.
Leviticus: Leviticus is a book of law and ritual in the Hebrew Bible. It details rules for maintaining holiness and a proper relationship with God within the Israelite community.
Child Sacrifice: The sacrifice of children to deities was considered an extreme abomination in the Old Testament. It was seen as a direct violation of the sanctity of life and a betrayal of God's covenant.
Theological Significance: This verse reflects the holiness of God and his intolerance for idolatry, especially practices as heinous as child sacrifice. It highlights the importance of remaining faithful to the covenant and upholding God's moral laws.
Important Considerations:
Historical Context: It's essential to understand the historical context of this verse. It reflects the specific concerns and challenges faced by the Israelite community in their time.
Modern Application: Applying this verse directly to modern situations requires careful consideration. While the specific practice of child sacrifice to Molech may not be prevalent, the underlying principles of idolatry, the sanctity of life, and the importance of remaining faithful to God remain relevant.
Varying Interpretations: As with many biblical passages, there are different interpretations of this verse among scholars and theologians.
Progressive Revelation: Some Christians interpret Old Testament laws in light of the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, emphasizing grace, mercy, and forgiveness while still acknowledging the seriousness of sin.
In conclusion, Leviticus 20:5 is a powerful and disturbing verse that condemns child sacrifice and warns against the consequences of idolatry. It serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the importance of remaining faithful to his covenant.
Leviticus 20:5 - then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all who play the prostitute after him, to play the prostitute with Molech, from among their people.
What does "Leviticus 20:5" mean?
This verse from Leviticus 20:5 is a severe condemnation of someone who offers their children to Molech and the community that participates in that practice. Let's break it down:
"Then I will set my face against that man...": "Setting one's face against" is a Hebrew idiom indicating divine anger, opposition, and judgment. It signifies God's direct and active hostility towards the individual.
"...and against his family...": This implies that the consequences extend beyond the individual to their family. This could mean they share in the guilt, are complicit in the act, or suffer the ramifications of his actions. The exact extent of this is debated; some interpret it as extending judgment to those who are also involved and don't repent, while others see it as the family experiencing social and communal consequences.
"...and will cut him off...": This phrase, "cut off," is frequently interpreted as divine excommunication or death. It suggests being removed from the covenant community of Israel and losing the blessings and protection associated with being part of that community. There's debate among scholars whether this "cutting off" always means physical death or could also refer to spiritual or social separation from the community.
"...and all who play the prostitute after him, to play the prostitute with Molech...": This part refers to those who follow the man's example and also engage in the worship of Molech. The term "play the prostitute" is often used metaphorically in the Old Testament to describe idolatry, likening unfaithfulness to God to the act of sexual unfaithfulness in marriage. In this context, it highlights the severe spiritual transgression of worshipping another god.
"...from among their people.": This emphasizes that the individual and those who follow him are to be expelled or removed from the Israelite community, both physically and spiritually.
In Summary:
The verse condemns the practice of child sacrifice to Molech, threatening divine judgment, punishment extending to the family, excommunication/death for the individual and those who emulate him, and removal from the community of Israel. It underscores the abhorrence of this practice in the eyes of God and the severity of the consequences for engaging in it.
Context and Interpretation:
Molech: Molech was a deity worshipped in some ancient Near Eastern cultures, often associated with child sacrifice.
Leviticus: Leviticus is a book of law and ritual in the Hebrew Bible. It details rules for maintaining holiness and a proper relationship with God within the Israelite community.
Child Sacrifice: The sacrifice of children to deities was considered an extreme abomination in the Old Testament. It was seen as a direct violation of the sanctity of life and a betrayal of God's covenant.
Theological Significance: This verse reflects the holiness of God and his intolerance for idolatry, especially practices as heinous as child sacrifice. It highlights the importance of remaining faithful to the covenant and upholding God's moral laws.
Important Considerations:
Historical Context: It's essential to understand the historical context of this verse. It reflects the specific concerns and challenges faced by the Israelite community in their time.
Modern Application: Applying this verse directly to modern situations requires careful consideration. While the specific practice of child sacrifice to Molech may not be prevalent, the underlying principles of idolatry, the sanctity of life, and the importance of remaining faithful to God remain relevant.
Varying Interpretations: As with many biblical passages, there are different interpretations of this verse among scholars and theologians.
Progressive Revelation: Some Christians interpret Old Testament laws in light of the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, emphasizing grace, mercy, and forgiveness while still acknowledging the seriousness of sin.
In conclusion, Leviticus 20:5 is a powerful and disturbing verse that condemns child sacrifice and warns against the consequences of idolatry. It serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the importance of remaining faithful to his covenant.